CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is doing all he can to support the West Charlotte High School basketball team to help them get to and winthe state championship.

Athletic Director John Yewicic tells FOX 46 Charlotte city councilman James Mitchell put the surprise plan into motion when he told the team this week that Tepper would be providing them with two charter buses for their trip to Raleigh as well as the team's hotel rooms Friday night.

The West Charlotte team had originally planned to drive to Raleigh Saturday morning. The Lions are scheduled to play Winterville's South Central High in the N.C. 4A State Championship game at 12 p.m. Saturday at N.C. State.

Being able to travel to Raleigh a day earlier will now allow the team's game prep to go much smoother!